Jordan Jefferson may be the difference-maker for LSU

TUSCALOOSA, ALA. - Today could be the day Jordan Jefferson makes his senior season at LSU as memorable for something that happens on the field rather than off of it. It could be the day he regains much of what he has lost as a player for the Tigers, in a season he had hoped to be the starting quarterback for a BCS champion.

Rusty Costanza/The Times-PicayuneWhen Jordan Jefferson is directing the LSU offense, he poses a big challenge for opposing defenses because of his dual-threat capabilities. His running ability opens up even more possibilities for the offense.

Now, that's not to imply a desire for his success to come at the expense of Jarrett Lee, who deserves every bit of adulation he has earned this season. Lee, also a senior, has been nothing short of phenomenal when this season is stacked next to the rest of his time at LSU, and he'd be the runaway leader for anyone's Comeback Player of the Year.

But Jefferson, the most experienced and accomplished No. 2 quarterback in the nation, better be ready today, when the top-ranked, undefeated Tigers play second-ranked, undefeated Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Because there's a feeling here that the man who almost didn't have a senior season is poised to play a significant role in the most important game of it.

If there's a game in which Jefferson's added dimension of being a running quarterback figures to be needed, this would be the it. If there's one where the talents of a dual-threat quarterback will be needed to keep off balance a defense that statistically has crushed its previous eight opponents, this would be the game.

And Jefferson would be the quarterback.

"Jefferson will play a key role in (today's) contest," LSU Coach Les Miles said. "How much he will play, I am not certain. I can tell you the things that he does and that he does well will be oiled up and he will be ready to play."

Again, and with emphasis, that's no slight of Lee. He has executed the game plan better than he ever has and if he currently isn't an All-SEC quarterback, there needs to be a recount.

It doesn't matter that Lee might not be asked to do as much as another quarterback or two in the conference, or that his numbers are a little less because he doesn't chuck it 35 times per game. What matters is that he has been more effective than anyone could have imagined while starting every game for the Tigers, stepping in when Jefferson was indefinitely suspended for his alleged role in a bar fight.

Lee leads the conference in passing efficiency (157.4) and only has thrown one interception this season, versus 13 touchdowns. Few programs in the nation wouldn't take that ratio.

But that doesn't mean LSU won't require Jefferson's skill set to win yet another monumental road game this season.

A mostly stationary target (Lee) might not be such a good thing against the Crimson Tide. An elusive mark (Jefferson) might be just what's needed against an aggressive, pressing defense because it might become a little less aggressive, and a little more reactionary, if the opposing quarterback adds the element of running for a few 6- or 7-yard gains.

"I don't think (the game plan) changes much at all," Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban said about preparing for LSU's two quarterbacks. "I think style of play on offense is a little different, and I'm not sure it's because of the quarterback as much as it is because the kind of team they have and how they choose to play as an offensive team.

"They're going to run the ball downhill on you, and when you put them all up there (on defense), they're going to try to throw it over your head and make big plays.

"Then they've got their specialty packages where they utilize, and do a good job of utilizing, a lot of specialty players. When (Jefferson) comes into the game, he's a guy that can do some things as a running quarterback.

"They've got a lot of different types of players who can make plays and they utilize their skill level. And you have to be very aware and conscious of where those guys are and what they're going to do, and what they like to do when those guys are in the game."

There was a time where it wasn't a stretch to believe Jefferson wouldn't even be in this game, or any other game, this season.

After being charged with a felony, second-degree assault, as a result of the bar fight, he was indefinitely suspended. He missed four games before a Baton Rouge grand jury knocked down the charge to a misdemeanor and he was reinstated.

There's been no reason for Miles to elevate him back to the starting lineup; Lee has been too good for that.

But there could be plenty of reason today for Miles to give Jefferson more snaps than he's had this season.

"I don't know if it is my management skill in any way," Miles said. "I think it has to do with guys that recognize that they are part of a whole and realize that their contribution is significant.

"Whoever is off the field roots for the one taking the snaps and whoever is off the field is as involved as that guy who is taking the snaps. I think it is the character of the kids and the young men that I am fortunate to coach and represent that has allowed that to happen."

It doesn't figure to change today, either, for a team that seems more interested in winning than in who gets the credit for it.

The Tigers, in fact, fully embraced Jefferson when he returned.

The hugs will be a lot tighter today if he turns out to be a key factor in an LSU win.